Cardinals 20 vs Ravens 26
A closer game than expected, Josh McCown and the cardinals made Ravens work till the end but the top level defense and some great passes by Jeff Blake finally gave the win to Baltimore that improves record to 3-0 and looks as clearly favorites to win the division having 2 games lead vs all the division that sits at 1-3, the Cardinals fall to 0-3 and everything seems to be part of evil GM William Cook, oh wait no, he’s not the evil one, that’s Titans GM… Anyway, the season for red birds was over pretty much before start and even more with McCown under the controls, the rookie OL finally got stats, and the opposing LOLB are feasting with sacks, last week 3 by Henderson and this week 4 by Miller. Exactly Miller was the MVP of the game for Ravens, despite not being the most “spectacular” team, I don’t think a single team would feel confident playing vs Ravens
Bills 23 vs Patriots 20
In what could be the game of the week, the Bills and Tom Collins took a massive win here, last week I was critical with the Bills, they won their previous 2 games but they didn’t seem to play good, and now they win a critical game on their schedule, stay undefeated and leads division. They look more than ever as a playoffs team, specially the offense is giving steps forward, this week with an impressive performance by WR TJ Whosyourmoma. For the Patriots this was an ugly win, divisional rival, at Foxborough, they have to win this, contrary to my analysis of Bills, in the previous 2 episodes I’ve been extremely optimistic with Patriots, I do still believe they’ll be at SB, but a team thinking on that cannot allow a WR to have record performance. Trade windows are open and wouldn’t surprise me if GM Rob goes aggresive for a CB or Safety. Tom Brady stats wise had a solid game but offense only scored 20 points. It’s week 3 and I don’t think this will define the division yet, but Bills got the 1st round, Patriots must win week 11 if they want the division. I think both teams will be at playoffs anyway
Lions 10 vs Eagles 27
The Lions showed a competitive spirit for most of the game, with an outstanding performance of their DT, and their offense scoring some points, at some moment of 3rd quarter they were up at score 10-9, then the difference of talent in both roster balanced the things in Eagles side and they ended up winning by 17, the score doesn’t tell the full game story but it represent the differences between 1 team is rebuilding and another is fighting for the SB. The Eagles offense stays on fire and Donovan McNabb is playing at MVP level, they’re not leading division because the surprising Cowboys start and cause faced the hardest team at week 1. Aside that I don’t think anything have changed for Eagles, unless there’s a QB injury, they’re winning the division and will be contenders for SB. Kyle Boller had a forgettable day but it won’t matter much as looks like he’ll lose his job next off-season
Colts 27 vs Texans 7
Texans tried to keep the score close and they managed to do it at the start but then the differential in rosters defined the game, 1 team in rebuild vs what many experts consider best roster on league. The Colts improve to a 3-0 record with something can be seen as positive or negative depending the perspective, Peyton Manning playing as a regular QB, not as the elite QB he is, that’s worrying as that level won’t be enough for win a SB but same time staying undefeated when your best player not performing as should could mean once he does the team will be a juggernaut no one will be able to stop. Specially if he can reduce the turnovers the Colts team will improve drastically, we yet to seen Colts down at score and some 4th quarter Manning comeback. A situation this series of articles will keep an eye on, for the Texans, their goal is to get a QB on draft and AC is happy team is 0-2-1
Dolphins 17 vs Jets 28
The Jets entered week 3 with a 0-2 record and with a must win game vs a Dolphins team on restructure, how did they start the game? Down 0-14 after 2 rookie QB Rex Grossman TD in 5 minutes. Terrible scenario, but they did overcome it, and managed to get the win, the team didn’t panic after that start and was able to keep scoring while defense woke up and after that only allowed 1 fg. The Jets still bringing in more questions that answers but if they can replicate the 2nd half of this game, the team remains as a candidate for a playoffs spot. Notable performance by Pennington after 2 horrible weeks. The team is at 1-2, and have the talent to improve that. For the Dolphins they’re in rebuilding and the 0-3 record projects them to get a top pick + Rex Grossman getting progression, at long term this pain can pay
Vikings 28 vs Chiefs 31
The upset of the season so far, a team as Chiefs that lost their starter QB Green and now relying on at their rookie QB Leftwhich was able to beat the goliath Vikings are, offensively arguably the best roster or at least top 3 guarantee, defensively they couldn’t stop the rookie magic. Vikings were down or tied during all game, tied it twice, including a miracle final drive to send the game to OT and despite getting the first ball of the OT, they couldn’t score, and a Chiefs fg sealed the surprise. I don’t think this game change much for Vikings they’re undoubtedly a playoffs team. This will end up as anecdote and if something keep them focus, their key game is vs Packers, playing for the division and potentially a bye week, both teams will be at playoffs those. For Chiefs is an heroic victory to keep the morale up and keep them undefeated trying to make the playoffs with a rookie, they were able to win the game without their start TE Tony Gonzales during 4th quarter and OT. Notable performance by QB Byron Leftwich than emerges as candidate for OROY
Chargers 3 vs Packers 37
I’m very disappointed at Chargers performance, they’re playing as a rebuilding team, when they started with a franchise QB and a very solid roster, made some moves that placed them as a playoffs team and contenders, it’s true their 2 loses comes exactly vs the teams I picked for SB being Patriots and Packers, but the way they’re losing and how Brees is performing raises so many questions, without injuries I don’t think they could have a chance to win division, but as every QB on division is injured they still should be a playoffs team, GM Breck can try to change some things and try to figure his team out, something that GM Brad Barber should not do, whatever he’s doing don’t move anything, the Packers are the best team of the season so far, winning with huge scores, and beating good teams, Im curious to watch their week 4 match vs Vikings. CB Springs have been a massive addition to the team, he leads in interceptions and have been a lockdown, this game went to only 1 side, Packers winning by 34 points.
49ers 19 vs Steelers 13
One of the hardest games to predict of this week, both teams entered this matchup with a 1-1 record, and leaving some positives and negatives. The 2 players to watch were of course their QB, Garcia vs rookie Hamdan, the game was a low score game, 49ers stopped steelers offense but at last drive of the first half a TD gave them a temporarily lead of 7-6, 49ers were more consistent at 2nd half and finally took the win 19-13, given the 2 previous Steelers game, this wasn’t an easy game, and 49ers with 2-1 record raise the hand as candidates for a wildcard spot (I don’t think they can take division from Rams hand), the team and veterans are responding after GM Brady low expectatives. For the Steelers this was the first realistic game for their QB, the division leaders are running away (ravens) and the wildcard on the AFC conference will be a bloody bath. The team needs to win next week if want to keep their chances there, Hamdan took -20 QBR, and decreased pct, a rock in the road for a QB seems to have much potential.
Rams 31 vs Buccaneers 17
The Game of the week, facing 2 undefeated division leaders, a match could play relevance for playoffs seeding and that easily could have a rematch during playoffs, the Rams were able to get a “comfortable win” as their offense keeps working as a swiss clock and the defense controlled all the attacks, with their new addition CB Bobby Taylor that added a TD via pick six, Brad Johnson had the hardest game of the season, on the 2 prior games he looked dominant but on this one he couldn’t figure Rams defense. Rookie Dave Ragone had activity and threw 1 interception. With Vick injury, it looks like unless the Saints say otherwise the Bucs are winning the division, and Rams pretty much have theirs on the pocket, unless Garcia activates MVP mode. It’s early on the season, and I’ll predict this game will repeat at playoffs, so both GM probably took notes about it. Rams are favorites by 27.5 points margin on their week 4 matchup vs Cowboys, it would be a tragedy if they don’t start season 4-0. A David vs Goliath
Bengals 24 vs Seahawks 12
This game TV Rights were sold to Asia, so the game was played at 1 am, by a GM was celebrating his victory wearing his typical sunglasses, also the game was played in minimum speed so our asian friends could google rules between play and play. The Bengals got their first win of the season, and first win ever for rookie QB Carson Palmer that have found his best ally in rookie WR Billy McMullen, the player could change a lot how we value receivers, who will take and use the next McMullen? is uncertain to say, but Im sure Im not the only one keeping an eye at him, with 2 stellar performances in 3 games, even adding his name at OROY list. For the Seahawks this game was devastating, they needed to win for keep their position as potential wildcard team, and losing vs a rookie complicates the things. In this part of the world we were sleeping so if want more details watch Sportscenter Asia
Browns 10 vs Raiders 32
This is the game that describes, when winning is losing. The Raiders have had a tremendous season start with a 3-0 and looking dominant, all the reasons to feel happy and optimistic about winning division and having a playoffs run, but no Raiders fan can celebrate as their QB going down by 8 weeks, that changes a lot of things and could open the doors to teams as Chargers to steal what seemed to be their division. The news could be worse as luckily for them GM Brandon Lindgren got a backup during offseason at David Garrard, that’s a downgrade at the position, but if the team continue to focus in play good football and specially that defense keeps their level, they can win at least half of the games will play without Collins and that would place them at 7-3 with playoffs still on sight. For Browns the season starts to complicate, they have the talent and the players but they’re struggling on games, I wouldn’t discard them, but playoffs starts to seen far for them. The MVP of the game goes to Reynolds a new acquired DE for Raiders that leads league with 8 sacks in 3 games, impressive.
Jaguars 30 - Broncos 7
Another week without PTI and Im taking extreme measures, will start ignoring Broncos team, and at this point likely doing them a favor. So lets focus on the winners of the match, the Jacksonville Jaguars that after a complicated season debut vs Titans, have won 2 games and have moves to 2-1 record, it’s complicated they can challenge the mighty Colts, but they’re in a good position for fight playoffs spot. Their rushing game + solid defense have been their winning formula, and whenever those 2 combine tend to bring in positive results, and they will need this more than ever on their next 2 games as QB Brunell suffered an injury, thanks to their skilled GM, the team has a solid backup at Tim Rattay, excellent FA pickup that could at least go 1-1 and minimize the impact of the injury. Without much noise and without the media impact Colts and Titans receiving, the Jaguars emerging as a dark horse
Panthers 6 vs Falcons 14
The QBless Gmless Panthers went to Atlanta in the role of victims and with low expectations, but they ended the scrambler dream, it’s not a secret the league has something against scramblers, some people even asking for the to disappear, with the risk channel cancel me during some time I’ll speak out my mind, STOP, I’m tired of this, and won’t let this conspiracy against scramblers continue, Vick is a young man trying to have success, and GM Peter is trying to defy the system. In the name of what is correct I accuse GM Leo Kidd of conspiracy for injure a player, I will never trade or interact with that person, and I truly wish he’s replaced from league soon, there’s no place here for you. #FireLeoKidd #BringInKevin . Mullendore would’ve never done that he’s classy. After I said what had to said, the Falcons season is basically over with the injury and they’ll be thinking in adding a top player next draft, the team had potential to fight for wildcard spot but the possibilities seems minimal now. The game was a defensive “boring” to watch game with minimal spectacular plays and with 2 backups
Giants 34 vs Redskins 17
The sunglasses mania is here, Romeo and Romo win their first game together, having a dominant performance against a team have showed is not easy as Redskins. They both now are tied at 1-2 record and fighting to not be last on division, Redskins did lose their QB Patrick Ramsey which was hit multiple times, specially by Giants veteran and league Icon DE Michael Strahan that had a marvelous game with 5 sacks. Romo found the deep pass and had 3 TD, with few completions but multiple yards, a very positive game for Giants thinking at future, and Redskins just 1 QB away of being serious contenders
Cowboys 36 vs Bears 10
We stay at NFC East and their division leader, the Eagl… wait the Cowboys? Yeah in a surprising season start the Cowboys are leading their division with undefeated record and playing good football. We asked GM Shapiro about it and he only said:and you might find yourself leading division, and you may ask yourself: Well, how did I get here?... And back to the analysis, the schedule might’ve played a part on it, the first 3 weeks for Cowboys in theory were “weak” with teams on construction, but Dallas is one of those teams, started with the worst roster of the league and during 3 weeks have been dominant, the cinderella story is likely to end next week vs the powerful Rams and then the next 4 games are vs SB contenders teams. It’s possible and expected the Cowboys are 3-5 after those games, and yet, if keep the level shown during the season debut, could try to fight for a wildcard spot. The most logic scenario is Dallas ends in the middle of no where, with no playoffs, no good draft picks, hardest GM goal, and the Shapiro project ends with him at hot seat with the risk of being fired, but no one will take away the joy of this debut. Jay Fiedler 82 thp magic had a very solid game with 3 TD, and MLB Kawika Mitchell for Bears had an spectacular game, with 17 tackles, 2 of them for lose, surprisingly that wasn’t enough for win defensive MVP of the game, title went to another rookie, recently acquired via trade, FS LeJeune
Titans 20 vs Saints 23
This game was a fun game to watch with 2 GM tend to always be competitive, the Titans having a favorable roster were expected to win, but the dark horses Saints escaped with the win at overtime. The Saints have stayed competitive and even with a 1-2 record, the hard schedule have played a factor on it, don’t sleep at wintermute team, on the other side, the Titans have been a disappointment in last 2 weeks, being more relevant cause burning jerseys and starting theories about kickers, GM Mellon trying to reflect all the attention somewhere else, but the reality is starting with one of the best rosters in league, in win now mode, a 1-2 start is bad, he has the experience and the knowledge for bounce back, and I think he will, but the pressure is there, and QB McNair, is in the middle of nowhere, he’s on regression, his attributes won’t go over 90 for that reason and this is his best window, the teams will start getting better, and Titans will have to move on to a new project soon, GM Mellon knew it and that’s why attempted to trade McNair but no GM bite on it, the Titans moment is now, and the ball is on their side. Deuce McAllister was the star of the game and is leading league in rushing yards.
Those were week 3 matchups, now some closure comments:
*The QB injury plague continue, league currently divides into 3 groups: Win now teams group, tank for QB teams group and help my qb is at hospital group. With some teams being at 2 of those groups.
*There’s been a high number of sacks, results of the minimal veteran QB and not over strong/progressed OL, it seems like whoever players gets the more sacks on this and maybe next season, will stay on record books for long time
*Something similar with kickers, there’s been an unusual high number of missing fg, with the training camps that number will decrease
*Someone picked me at eliminator (wade) and managed to get to GOTW, whatever happens at the next 13 games, im happy. Now… The truly game of the week in my opinion and probably in the opinion of almost all GM, will be the Vikings vs Packers, so curious to watch it
*Back to QB injuries, some of them have made me feel sad, usually when there’s a lose as someone trading a pick and it becomes a better pick someone wins at process,someone wins-someone loses, I feel ok. But on this cases, no one is winning. Also while it’ll bring some surprises and special moments. Some games will become so ugly to watch, Im happy we’re moving back to 4 days advances, cause season going to be a long one
Meet the GM is coming back!!!
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